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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Sandbar @ Puerto Galera

One that is not so often visited but otherwise still interesting place because of its peculiar landform in PuertoGalera is the Sandbar. The Sandbar is a narrow strip of land that connects the island of Mindoro with Boquete Island. To the east are the waters of Muelle Bay and to the west is the Little Balateros Cove. This place is fast-becoming a word-of-mouth for windsurfers. In fact, an annual competition for windsurfing is held there.

Here are some photos I have taken of the place:

Muelle Bay

Balatero Cove

Some Little Shade

Blues

Dock

Windsurfers in a Row

Greens Over Blue

Personal Note:

You must have heard the news that last Saturday, 12 people died (including tourists) when a passenger boat capsized on its way to PuertoGalera. That same day, I was in a boat going from Kabatian Island to Labrador in Pangasinan and had a rough experience at sea where our small boat nearly overturned because of the big waves. If not for our boatman who is alert on jumping up and down the boat to equalize the weight, we would have capsized also.

So, it really pays to be cautious and to really plan your trip. The months of May to June could really be not too good for boating specially if you are going to ride small boats. If you really need to travel, always put on a life vest and keenly observe the sea and the weather before you push thru with all of your plans. And with every trip, always pray and seek for guidance.

Do they have enough life jackets for everybody on board the local boats; if so, why are the passengers not required to wear them when the sailing and weather condition are not ideal? Hypothermia is not a problem in Pinas water so if boats do sink, survival rate of passengers wearing life vests will be 100% or nearly so, assuming the water is not shark infested and rescue boats are quick to respond.

Hi Lawstude! I am from Puerto galera! One tip is to travel before 9am. Usually the sea is as smooth as a mirror. And see to it that the boat is big. The case of the accident was overloading of which the katig or outriggers couldn't bear the weight and so sank rather than cut through the waves.

I've never been to this part of Puerto Galera...interestingly beautiful.

You're right, we should check the weather when we travel. sometimes we make stupid mistakes due to lack of correct info. we had a bit of a boat accident on our way back from Cagbalete Island last April. and i was the first to ask for a life vest! the rest of the passengers seemed to be embarrassed to ask for a life vest...i don't know why. the recent boat accident in Puerto Galera was tragic. i wished some passengers were sensible enough to wait for the next boat.

Just a week after the incident in the seas going to Puerti Galera, me and my friends.. No problem in our trip on our way to the island.. Going home, we thought that we would never see the land anymore.. The waves were reaching the top of the boat and water was splashing inside. Passengers were alaready screaming and everyone was panicking. All we coukd do then was pray and hope for the best, that that wouldn't be our last journey.Just a tip, if you plan on having boat trips, do not go after lunch better to have it in the morning because the water is calmer.

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all photos and articles are properties of atty. oman a.k.a lawstude. i know my rights and know how to use them. if you are interested in these photos, please e-mail me at oman[underscore]serapio[at]yahoo[dot]com.